Kansas City, Mo. ? A new railroad museum at the historic Union Station will give visitors a chance to feel what it’s like to be at the helm of a massive locomotive.

The KC Rail Experience opens Sept. 23. Its highlight is a 7,500-pound locomotive simulator that was used to train thousands of railroad engineers.

Now, its purpose is to lure tourists to the struggling downtown station.

Those who climb aboard the simulator, at the museum’s entrance, will virtually operate a train – and crash it if they don’t pay attention. The floor features a vibration system and screens flash outdoor images responsive to the way the throttle is adjusted.

“Screens will show you the track and scenery going by, and you will be able to pull the cords, blow the horn, ring the bell, speed up and slow down,” said Andi Udris, Union Station director.

The simulator is a gift from BNSF Railway. It was used at the rail line’s Johnson County Community College training center from 1988 until about 2000 but was replaced by more modern, digital systems.

“It was leading-edge technology,” said Larry Konecny, BNSF training manager at the National Academy of Railroad Sciences. “Just as it stands right now, it’s an icon of the railroad industry.”

A crane was required to lift the simulator out of a hole cut through a wall at the community college. The simulator is to be painted to match current BNSF colors before installation at Union Station.

Also donated by the railroad was a smaller, half-cab simulator that will be accessible to the disabled.

The KC Rail Experience will include railroad memorabilia, restored rail cars and an intricate model train exhibit.